It’s a stunning day in the Waikato as we go onsite with the MS Civil team to discuss how their adoption of Leica iCON technology has impacted the business over the last few years.

We meet at the Lockerbie Estate – sub-division in Morrinsville, where earthworks are underway for 100 lots in the current stage. Engaged as the main Contractor on this project, MS Civil are delivering all civil works including drainage, pavements, concrete retaining walls and all the necessary elements to be able to hand the project over.

Getting it right the first time

MS Civil have been using Leica machine control across their fleet of excavators in order to dig right the first time, with speed and efficiency, ultimately delivering a better job for their clients.

“We use the Leica iCON MC1 technology in the diggers mainly for the drainage, it really helps us with line and position and is very quick and easy. We obviously line up with pipe lasers, but being able to cut to the base the first time is just so much more efficient. It’s especially helpful using the polyline functions when you’re doing drainage, and being able to go manhole to manhole, centre to centre. It just makes it easy for our guys. We’ve noticed since we’ve had Leica GPS in our machines, the guys are a lot more efficient when it comes to digging, less over dig, more time getting metres in the ground, and just making life way easier.” Carl Saywell – Managing Director/Owner, MS Civil

Seven years ago, Carl and his business partner started MS Civil, since then they’ve grown from two people to over 50!

Rapid growth in such a short time is a testament to this teams’ reputation and quality of work. Carl laughed as he told us “It’s been a hell of a journey and a lot of fun, we’ve had the time of our lives!”

Adopting technology across the business

Having the same Leica iCON gear in all of their machines makes it really easy for the team, and provides the ability to be able to jump from graders to diggers, bases and rovers. For the Operators, understanding one brand makes it really simple to learn and delivers efficiency on a daily basis.

“The main reason we see it as an advantage is purely because it gives trust to the guys on where they’re going and what they’re doing. We do a lot of checks in the office to make sure that line and level is good, but machine control gives them the confidence out in the field to dig it right the first time. Previously, a lot of time has been wasted when they’d be over digging or just having to go a bit further and having to keep checking. Using the Leica technology, now they’re a lot faster, probably at least 20%.” – Carl Saywell

Carl told us that since implementing Leica iCON technology with their team, they’ve seen two sides of the coin. For the younger generation, the use of technology is easier, they’re able to pick it up quickly and it helps makes them into better Operators because they’re digging to a design for guidance. They’ve also seen the other side, where the guys who are are more experienced and amazing by eye, once they start using the machine control, they can take it to the next level because they are able to dig and design really efficiently.

A partnership founded on trust

“The main reason for choosing Leica as our main supplier for GPS is the people at Global Survey. They’ve been so easy to deal with since day 1 in 2020, when we got our first machine control system off them, and now our whole business is with Leica. One of our core values at MS Civil is the “Dream Result” and with Leica technology, the bases, the rovers, the machine control, it’s just fantastic. It helps us nail it first time. Plus we’ve had Global Survey by our side as we’ve needed more tech and more solutions. They’ve been there to help us, support us and make sure we get it right.” – Carl Saywell

“Carl and the crew at MS Civil have really embraced this technology and it shows in the quality of the work that they’ve been delivering to their clients. I’ve been very impressed with their attention to detail, these guys go the extra mile to get it right the first time. Once a Contractor decides to go with Leica and becomes a Global Survey customer, we’re there to help them every step of the way. We think of ourselves, not just as a supplier, but more as a long-term partner for them and their business as it grows.” Danie Mostert – Hamilton Branch Manager, Global Survey

Danie Mostert heads up the Global Survey Hamilton branch, their priority is being onsite with customers providing training, support and technical advice on how to maximise productivity with Leica technology. They have expertise across all machinery types especially excavators, dozers, graders, skidsteers, scrapers and piling, working with customers on a wide variety of earthmoving and surveying projects.

To find out more about MS Civil’s projects, see their website: www.mscivil.co.nz